Sisters share path through ITS Communications
Working as students at UNC Information Technology Services led to tech internships for Isabella and Natalie Gonzalez.
This summer, Natalie Gonzalez, a student worker at UNC Information Technology Services, has a marketing internship with global analytics and software company SAS. Six years ago, older sister Isabella Gonzalez left the same role with ITS to join Red Hat as a digital communications intern. Call it coincidence or tradition, but history repeated itself for the Gonzalez sisters.
Isabella Gonzalez discovered ITS Communications in 2019 after reading about the role in a newsletter. Her work at ITS helped cultivate her passions for photography, writing and graphic design.
“One of my favorite parts of working at ITS was my ability to try different things I was interested in,” she said. “I had a lot of opportunities to build the skills I wanted to.”
But the most rewarding part of her experience at ITS was the lasting connections she made. Now a Red Hat product marketing manager, she regards ITS Communications manager Kelly Johnson as a key influence throughout her young professional career.
“When I left ITS Comms, I liked to keep in touch with Kelly and meet from time to time. The mentorship she gave me at ITS set me up for success,” she said.
Stepping into her sister’s shoes
When Johnson told her in early 2024 that she was looking for student workers, Isabella Gonzalez saw an opportunity for her younger sister. Natalie Gonzalez interviewed for the job and shared her writing and design samples.
“When I met Kelly, I felt so grateful that Isabella connected us. I knew instantly from our Zoom call that ITS Comms would be a supportive team,” she said. “Working with ITS felt like a perfect fit.”
She started working with ITS Communications the day after she graduated high school, in June 2024. Since then, she’s written articles for ITS News, designed visual content and created reels and posts for ITS social media.
ITS builds a foundation for internships
The Gonzalez sisters have found value working for ITS, using their experiences to grow personally and professionally.
“I’ve definitely seen our similarities come to life while working here,” said Natalie Gonzalez. “Both of us have always loved marketing, and our similar foundations in ITS helped us refine our skills and transition to internships we wanted.”
Beyond their shared work, ITS has afforded them similar development. Isabella Gonzalez said that she was part of a “dream team” at ITS that let her grow her skills, connect with students at Carolina and gain a background in the technical world. She was eager to watch her sister grow in the same way.
“I don’t think the work that I’m doing now would be possible without the skills that I learned at ITS,” she said. “I love that Natalie can explore her interests at the same place that I found mine.”
Carolina Siblings
Parallel experience strengthened bond
These shared experiences brought the Gonzalez sisters closer together. “Isabella has helped me gain confidence when I approach career opportunities. She’s been such an amazing role model for me,” Natalie Gonzalez said.
Their dad, Jesus Gonzalez, has watched his daughters grow not only as professionals but as sisters who support one another.
“Our family is grateful for ITS Comms and the opportunities it’s granted for both Natalie and Isabella,” he said. “It’s been special to see their bond grow.”
What started as a student job at ITS Communications became a meaningful chapter for the Gonzalez sisters, one that they hope will lead to shared career success.
